Community News
Gillespie Council approves water rate surcharges
Gillespie Water Department customers will start paying an additional surcharge on their water bills as a result of action taken by the City Council on Monday night.
After a few minutes of confusion, the Council approved an ordinance calling for the addition of a $1 surcharge, increasing by $1 for the next six months and culminating in a total $12 surcharge on the base, minimum water bill. The ordinance also contains provisions to increase the bulk rate charge to satellite communities, which satellites presumably will pass on to their customers.
Initially, council members believed they were voting on the ordinance on a motion by Ald. Landon Pettit, but Pettit said he was actually moving to approve a resolution with the same identifying number as the ordinance. The council then re-voted on a motion by Ald. Dona Rauzi, seconded by Pettit to unanimously approve the ordinance.
The resolution, authorizing payment of $190 to Moran Economic Development, LLC., for administrative work completed in connection with a newly established Tax Increment Financing District, was approved earlier in the meeting. The payment will come from TIF funds generated by the district.
STREETSCAPE ENGINEER
A reluctant council narrowly approved retaining Curry and Associates Engineering, Inc., Nashville, as the coordinating engineering firm for the city’s upcoming Streetscape Development program in Downtown Gillespie. City Treasurer Dan Fisher recommended the action, after noting preliminary engineering and design work for the project have been completed. “We’re ready now for the final design and construction supervision,” he said.
Ald. Dave “Lumpy” Link asked if Fisher solicited bids for the project. Fisher replied that a solicitation for bids was advertised and Curry was the only firm to submit a formal proposal, along with required paperwork. “We did have a couple of phone calls, but no one else submitted a proposal,” Fisher said.
On a motion by Ald. Frank Barrett, seconded by Rauzi, the council split 3-3 on approving Curry for the project, forcing Mayor John Hicks to cast the deciding vote.
“I’m going to vote yes to get this project going,” Hicks announced. “We’ve been on this for three years.”
Ald. Rauzi commented that several downtown businesses had asked her to be notified when Streetscape work is planned in front of their business places. Some complained that when sewer improvements were done earlier in preparation for the Streetscape project, many stores were blindsided when work commenced in front of their business places. “They’d just like to have some notice when work is being done,” she said.
Later in the meeting, Ald. Pettit expanded upon his objection to hiring Curry and Associates, when the discussion turned to approving the city’s annual Motor Fuel Tax Resolution. Ultimately, the council approved the $525,000 resolution but not before Ald. Bob Fritz and Ald. Pettit voiced concerns about the document, which was prepared by the Curry engineering firm.
Essentially an appropriation document, the resolution establishes maximum expenditures for the city’s annual street maintenance program. The appropriation, however, is based on estimates determined by the engineer.
Fritz noted the resolution authorizes purchase of 500 tons of blacktop at $48 per ton.
“I don’t know where you can get blacktop for $48 a ton,” Fritz said. “It’s more like $100 a ton. There were five or six streets we didn’t get to do last year because we were short of oil. I don’t want to be limited because we can only buy 150 tons of blacktop.”
Fritz also pointed to a street that Curry estimated to be 17 feet wide, when the street actually is more than 20 feet wide, which will require more material to resurface.
Fisher said the council could table the resolution to five aldermen time to review the document and markup any deficiencies they find.
“I think that would be a good idea,” said Fisher. He said the total of Curry’s estimates come to $490,000, which the resolution sets the appropriation at $525,000—a cushion of $35,000. “You can make adjustments to that amount. You can make this for $600,000 if you want. You can also do a supplemental resolution later if it appears we are going to need more money.”
Pettit commented that Curry’s work on issues like the Motor Fuel Tax Resolution was part of the reason he voted against hiring the firm for the Streetscape Project.
“How can you be an engineer and not know that asphalt is not $48 a ton?” he asked. “It’s over $90 a ton. There’s no reason for them not to know a street is not 17 feet wide. We have Google Maps. There’s no excuse for it. It’s shoddy work.” He suggested switching to a different engineering firm.
“I wouldn’t recommend switching horses in the middle of the stream,” Fisher said, reiterating his position that a supplemental resolution can be approved at a later date.
Ultimately, the council unanimously approved Ald. Link’s motion, seconded by Ald. Pettit, to approve the resolution as presented, with an eye toward approving a supplemental resolution later, if needed. The approved resolution will now be filed with the Illinois Department of Transportation which administers motor fuel tax distributions to municipalities.
CORNERSTONE TL RENTALS DISPLACEMENT
The council agreed to extend the variance for Tim Loveless to operate offices for Cornerstone TL Rentals in a residential area until at least the end of February, despite objections from one vocal Park Avenue resident. Loveless’s office at 210 Springfield Road was heavily damaged by fire last fall, after which he moved the office to a residence he owns on Park Avenue, pending repairs to the Springfield Road property. He originally pledged to be out of the Park Avenue location by Jan. 1, but faced delays in getting materials for the damaged building.
In the meantime, Loveless told the council Monday night, he entered into negotiations to purchase the former Drew Ford garage to house his business offices and equipment. A closing date for the purchase is set for Jan. 12, he said. The former business location on Springfield Road has a new roof, but still needs extensive renovation inside. Assuming he is able to move the location of his business, Loveless said he would either rent or sell the Springfield Road facility, once the interior is complete.
“What you’re asking is for the council to not take action while you get into the new building,” City Attorney Rick Verticchio summarized. “I think they will agree to that. It’s in the best interest of the city, and your neighbors on Park Avenue and Springfield Road, to have your business in the business district.What the council wants to know is whether you have a firm contract to buy the building and when you intend to move into town.”
Loveless said the contract is firm, adding he would need about a month and a half to make the move.
Responding to a question from Ald. Pettit, Loveless declined to confirm the number of rental residences he owns in the City of Gillespie.
“What I’m getting at is it would cause a major problem if your business was disrupted,” Pettit said.
Loveless agreed, saying he paid $47,500 in property taxes last year.
Park Avenue resident Stacey Hart again objected to extending Loveless’s conditional variance.
“It’s a residential area,” she said. “I was told he would be out by the first. He doesn’t need to be there.” She said she and other residents have been inconvenienced by additional traffic and vehicles occasional blocking the street.
Ald. Rauzi, however, who represents the ward that includes Park Avenue said she has heard no other complaints from neighbors. The only objection she’s heard, she said, was from Hart during meetings of the council.
Later in the meeting, the council unanimously agreed to extend the conditional variance for Loveless, tentatively to the end of February, to allow time for him to move the business to the downtown area.
The council took no action, however, from a request from Brad Bunn to pay a $400 excavation bill he incurred to address a sewer issue. Burn said he hired Ranger Excavating after the sewer backed up into his basement, but the problem was later found to be a blockage in the main sewer. He said city crews made three attempts with a water jet to move the blockage.
Fisher recommended referring the issue to the Water and Sewer Committee.
“In the past, we haven’t paid anything,” Fisher said. “If he’s due a reimbursement and it’s against policy, the policy may have to be rescinded.”
PROPERTY SALE
With Ald. Link abstaining, the council agreed to sell a city-owned parcel of vacant land behind Besserman’s Super Bowl and adjacent medical offices between Montani Avenue and Tower Road to Link for $5,049.50. Link submitted the higher of two bids for the property. Weye Schmidt, the unsuccessful bidder, offered $3,767 for the surplus property.
In a related matter, the council voted unanimously to declare as surplus and offer for sale a residence located at 503 West Chestnut Street. City Attorney Rick Verticchio said the court awarded the property to the city as a result of a public nuisance proceeding, and an individual had contacted the city to say he was interested in acquiring the residence in order to rehabilitate it.
“I told this individual the property would have to be declared excess property, and he would have to bid on it,” Verticchio said.
Acting on Verticchio’s advice, the council voted to declare the property as excess, and to advertise it for sale via sealed bids.
POLICE REPORTS
While no action was taken, several minutes of discussion were devoted to the issue of police enforcement at various intervals throughout the meeting.
Ald. Pettit urged the council to “take a look” at the city’s ordinance regarding campers within the city limits.
“We have people living in campers in town,” he said. “It seems to be a problem and it’s getting worse.”
City ordinance prohibits persons from using campers as a residence. According to Pettit, some of the campers are hooked up to propane but the offenders claim that is just to keep the camper warm and prevent pipes from freezing.
“This problem is universal,” Verticchio said. “The problem is getting neighbors to testify.” If police issue a citation and it goes to court, the court will dismiss if no witnesses appear to testify. If the defendant testifies they aren’t living in the camper, the court has no choice but to dismiss the complaint. He agreed, however, to revisit the ordinance to require off-street parking for campers, and to include a variance for temporary housing in the event of a fire or other disaster.
Both Pettit and Ald. Link complained about lack of enforcement regarding parking violations. Link claimed a vehicle with a flat tire has been blocking one lane of traffic in the 300 block of West Spruce Street for two months. Fritz alleged vehicles on South Macoupin Street are parked facing the wrong direction.
Police Chief Jared DePoppe said patrolmen will issue citations if aldermen report the violations to him. Otherwise, they do not issue citations for violations they see because of time constraints.
Link asked DePoppe how many officers are on patrol at any one time.
“There’s always two on patrol,” DePoppe said. “When we are fully staffed, there are three.” He said one of the two officers patrol the south half of the city and Benld, while the other patrols the north side and East Gillespie.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Voted to pay the $190 registration fee, plus meals and lodging, for Water Plant Operator Dave Pickett to attend an Illinois Rural Water Association Conference next month.
- Agreed to raise wages by $1 per hour for non-union employees, including part-time and seasonal workers, to match raises given to union employees as a result of collective bargaining.
- Took under advisement a proposed ordinance to set the cost of connecting to a new city water line at Gillespie Lake. Action on the ordinance is expected next month.
- No action followed a 20-minute executive session to discuss legal issues and real estate.
Comments
The Gillespie community is proud to partner with ImpactLife to host a Community Blood Drive on Monday, May 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Gillespie Methodist Church Gym, located at 900 Broadway.
This vital event offers community members an opportunity to help save lives by donating blood, which is essential for patients in local hospitals and medical facilities. The blood drive is open to donors of all eligible ages and backgrounds.
Event Details:
What: Gillespie Community Blood Drive
When: Monday, May 12th, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Gillespie Methodist Church Gym, 900 Broadway, Gillespie, IL
Appointments are encouraged to ensure a smooth experience. To schedule your donation, please contact Brenda Lowe at (217) 710-1336, visit bloodcenter.org and use code 60020 to locate the drive, or call ImpactLife directly at 800-747-5401.
Donor Eligibility:
Potential donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental permission available online), weigh over 110 pounds, and present a valid photo ID. Donors who have given blood on or before March 17, 2025, are eligible to participate. Individuals with controlled diabetes or high blood pressure may also be eligible to donate. For further eligibility questions, contact ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401.
About Blood Donation:
The blood donation process is safe, quick, and typically takes 45 minutes to an hour. It is a simple procedure that can make a significant difference in the lives of patients in need.
ImpactLife is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing blood products and services to over 100 hospitals and emergency providers across Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, as well as supporting medical research and resource sharing nationwide. To learn more about ImpactLife, visit www.bloodcenter.org and follow them on social media @impactlifeblood.
Special Donor Incentives:
All successful donors will receive a choice of an e-Gift Card, Bonus Points for ImpactLife’s Rewards Store, or the option to donate their reward to a nonprofit of their choice.
Join us in making a difference—your donation could be the reason someone in our community receives the life-saving care they need.
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Eagarville, IL — The Village of Eagarville is delighted to announce its highly anticipated annual Craft Fair and Vendor Festival, set to take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The event will be held at the Gillespie Civic Center from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
This festive celebration will feature the work of 30 talented local artisans, crafters, and vendors showcasing a diverse array of handmade goods. It’s the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors alike to shop local, support our community’s artists, and find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts—ideal for Mother’s Day or to celebrate your favorite graduate!
Attendees can enjoy delicious food options served throughout the day, including hearty biscuits and gravy in the morning, as well as savory sloppy joes and chicken salad for lunch.
Admission is just $1 for adults, with children under 16 admitted free.
Come out, explore the creative talents of our community, and enjoy a fun-filled day of shopping, food, and fellowship!
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Members of the Benld City Council on agreed to spend $319,000 for continuing work on the Benld Family Sports Park and voted to temporarily extend the city’s contract with the City of Gillespie for police protection while the two municipalities continue negotiations to renew the agreement, but it was horses and zoning that dominated the discussion during the council’s regular monthly meeting Monday night.
Appearing before the council as a visitor, Jennifer Zippay, 304 North Eighth Street, voiced concerns about a neighbors plans to board up to three horses on a neighboring lot zoned for agricultural use. Zippay said the property owner plans to fence the lot and build a stabling structure at the rear of the lot. The lot has been zoned for agricultural use since the city approved its zoning ordinance in 2016 and the parcel has been cropped for many years. Zippay said it never occurred to her or her neighbors that “agriculture” could also mean “livestock.”
“What is ‘agriculture’?” she asked. “To me there’s a difference between crops and horses or pigs.” Her concern she said is that the zoning ordinance does not define what animals are allowable, nor does it limit the number of animals the owner of an agricultural property can keep.
“I’m not in disagreement with you,” Mayor Jim Kelly told Zippay. “We should have a limit on the number of animals.”
The lot reportedly comprises about 220,000 square, prompting Zippay to question how many animals the property could accommodate.
“It’s well within the council’s prerogative to limit the number of animals allowed,” City Attorney Rick Verticchio advised, “but we can’t do something about something that hasn’t happened yet.” Without provisions in the zoning ordinance regarding the types and numbers of farm animals allowed, Verticchio said the city’s only option would be to pursue a public nuisance action if the animals become a nuisance.
“How many are too many?” Verticchio asked rhetorically. “Two hundred and forty seven pigs would be too many, but one goat is probably okay. The maximum number is somewhere in between.”
Responding to a question from Ald. John Balzraine, Verticchio said there is no way to preclude the property owner from implementing his plans other than to approve a zoning ordinance amendment before the individual starts to build stabling structure or fencing. The property owner reportedly has not applied for building permits to build on the property or erect a fence. Kelly told Zippay that any fencing would have to comply with the city’s fencing code.
“The council could do something now,” Verticchio said. “Someone could make a motion. Otherwise it would have to be a nuisance.”
Ald. Dustin Fletcher noted the property owner “did the right thing” by approaching the city to familiarize himself with the zoning provisions before making plans to board horses on the property. “I have to give him credit for that,” Fletcher said.
Balzraine later suggested amending the zoning ordinance to define “agriculture” as cropland only. “I wouldn’t want to smell horse poop either,” he told Zippay.
Verticchio said he could prepare the amendment for action within 10 days. “If you want to call a special meeting to approve it, you can.”
“We’ll get this rolling,” Kelly assured Zippay.
POLICE PROTECTION CONTRACT
On a motion by Ald. Mickey Robinson, seconded by Fletcher, the council voted unanimously to extend the city’s police protection contract with the City of Gillespie for 90 days while the two municipalities continue negotiations for a new contract. For the three months, the city will continue to pay the current $20,000 monthly fee for police protection.
Verticchio said the current police protection contract is set to expire April 30. Depending upon negotiations, the new rate could be charged retroactively or commence upon approval of the contract by both parties, according to Verticchio.
Verticchio said the contract can be terminated by giving 30 day’s notice to the City of Gillespie.
OFFICERS AND ALDERMEN SEATED
Before considering new business, the council paused to swear-in newly elected and re-elected officers and aldermen. Verticchio administered the oath of office, using a Bible belonging to his mother “who died 29 years ago today,” he said.
Kelly was sworn-in to begin his third term as Mayor, along with incumbent City Treasurer Cindy Crites and incumbent City Clerk Terri Koyne, both of whom were elected to their third terms.
Verticchio also administered oaths to incumbent Ward 1 Ald. Balzraine, re-elected April 1 to his third term; Ward 2 Ald. Mickey Robinson, currently the longest-serving member of the council, becoming an alderman in 1991; and newly elected Ward 3 Ald. Brant McFarland, who replaces two-term Ald. Lance Cooper, who chose to not seek re-election.
Immediately after being seated, Mayor Kelly thanked Cooper for his “time and dedication to the city.”
“You did a good job,” Kelly said.
On a motion by Balzraine, seconded by Ald. Jerry Saracco, the council ratified Kelly’s new committee appointments as follows:
- CITY PROPERTY: Balzraine (chair), Fletcher, McFarland, Robinson, Saracco.
- HOUSING; Ald. Norm Emmons (chair), Saracco, Robinson, McFarland, Balzraine.
- ORDINANCE/JUDICIAL: Robinson (chair), Emmons, Saracco, Fletcher, Balzraine.
- FINANCE: Saracco (chair), Emmons, Balzraine, Fletcher, McFarland, and City Clerk Koyne as an advisory co-chair.
- POLICE: McFarland (chair), Fletcher, Robinson, Saracco, Emmons.
- PROPRIETARY: Fletcher (chair), Balzraine, Robinson, Emmons, McFarland.
The Mayor’s appointments run for two years and include Verticchio as City Attorney, Balzraine as Mayor Pro-Tem, and Robinson, Fletcher and Jack Burns as members of a Police Liaison Committee.
SPORTS PARK EXPENDITURES
With Ald. Saracco casting the only “no” vote, the council approved expenditures of $319,244.89 for work completed on the new Benld Family Sports Complex, located on the former site of Benld Elementary School. Community Unit School District 7 deeded the property to the of Benld several years after a mine subsidence event destroyed the school. The city secured a $600,000 Open Spaces Land Acquisition and Development grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources last year to underwrite developing the parcel as a park. Once completed, the Benld Sports Association will take over operation and maintenance of the facility.
Monday night’s action authorized payment of $132,305 to Hayes Contractor, the project’s general contractor; $88,342.40 to DeLaurent Construction, Wilsonville, for paving a basketball court and walking path; and $98,597.49 to HHH Construction for construction of a pavilion and dugouts, and installation of basketball equipment, scoreboards and goal posts.
To finish the grant, the city estimates another $25,000 in expenditures, including $19,100 for concrete to dugouts and the pavilion, and $6,000 for accounting/audit fees
MFT BID
The council unanimously approved a bid of $32,818 from Illini Road Oil, LLC, Moro, to supply road oil for the city’s annual motor fuel tax street maintenance program. Illini Road Oil offered the lowest of three bids to supply 12,200 gallons of road oil at a cost of $2.69 per gallon. Other bidders were Macoupin County Asphalt, Inc., Carlinville, and Evergreen Roadworks, Urbana.
PARKING LOT BID
Council members accepted a bid of $5,342 from DeLaurent Construction to repave parking areas at the back and on the east side of the newly opened Benld City Hall, formerly First National Bank.
PROPERTY BID
Council members unanimously accepted a bid of $1,000 from Don Pratt for a surplus parcel at 205 South Seventh, provided Pratt demolishes and removes an existing nuisance structure within 120 days. Answering a question from the council, Verticchio said the council could extend the 120-day deadline in the event of extenuating circumstances. Otherwise, the property could revert to the city if the deadline is not met.
Pratt’s lives next door to the property and was the only bidder.
FOIA REQUEST
Monte Oberman, who has a small claims action pending against the city, appeared before the council, complaining that a flash drive he received in response to a Freedom of Information Act request could not be opened. Oberman said he asked for minutes from last month’s meeting of the council during which he also appeared to address the council. Since the flash drive was defective, he asked for written minutes of the meeting.
City Clerk Koyne said she could provide Oberman with a copy of the minutes since the minutes were approved by the council earlier Monday evening.
Verticchio told Oberman that future requests for information should be directed to him since Oberman is a litigant against the city.
“One of the grounds for denying a FOIA request is if the requestor is involved in litigation against the city,” Verticchio said. “I’m not criticizing the way you asked for information, I’m just saying you may not have been doing it the right way. The proper procedure would be for you to contact the city attorney and then I have to give it to you.”
In response, Oberman handed his written request to Verticchio and noted he also is asking for all other written communication about his case.
Property owned by Oberman is the subject of a public nuisance action initiated by Verticchio on behalf of the city. Vertichio told Oberman last week that the city’s nuisance complaint will be dropped after Oberman’s small claims case is adjudicated.
A bench trial set for April 4 was rescheduled for June 19 on a motion by Oberman late last month.
ITALIAN CLUB RECOGNITION
Balzraine publicly thanked the Benld Italian Club for paying for electrical work at the food stand in Benld City Park at a cost of $1,080.
